Live-Weight Changes of Cattle in East Africa

Abstract

I. Details are given of the differential responses of 2-tooth and 4-tooth grade oxen and full-mouthed Zebu steers to productive nutritional planes following pre-experimental treatments on sub-maintenance, maintenance, and super maintenance diets. 2. Considerable diversity was encountered in the average results from groups of five animals, all of which had been herded together for 6 months prior to the pre-experimental period. It is suggested that larger groups should be used for experimental studies in East Africa. 3. In choosing groups of oxen for grazing studies, care must be exercised to avoid the formation of groups which have been on different nutritional levels prior to the experimental period. 4. The bearing of the results obtained on management practice and breeding work in East Africa is discussed.